Still too many: state releases homeless student data

For the second year, more than 20,000 students in Oregon’s K-12 public schools are homeless, according to reports released this week by the Oregon Department of Education.

“These numbers are a sobering reminder of the very real impact our economic situation is having on our students and families,” said Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Rob Saxton.

Locally, Siuslaw School District identified 59 students of 1,380 enrolled, or 4.8 percent, as homeless, down from the previous year’s 69 students (of 1,321, or 5.2 percent).

“Poverty is still a huge problem in our community,” said Ethel Angal, special programs director and homeless student liaison for the district. “Of the families we are aware of, a lot are doubled-up (living with other families). That is the issue in our community.”

Mapleton experienced a slight upsurge in number of homeless students. Of 178 students, 21, or 11.8 percent, are considered homeless. The previous school year, Mapleton had 14 homeless students, or 8.1 percent of its 172-member student body.